Ratcatcher alpha

Description

Stats: + Spirit, + Reflex, + Arcane

The Ratcatcher is a master of commanding swarms of vermin, bending them to their will to perform a variety of tasks. Whether controlling one to scout ahead, directing the swarm to overwhelm an enemy, or using them to manipulate the environment, the Ratcatcher excels at leveraging small creatures to their advantage.

Mission design tips - I think this class wants to be a scout, provide utility and cause chaos.

Grounded in the trope of a pest controller, this utility summoner

  • Willard Stiles (Willard)
  • Spider / Boss Man (The Amazing Maurice)
  • Squirrel Girl (Marvel)
  • Ratcatcher (DC Comics)
  • Taylor Herbert as Chitter/Scurry (Worm by John McCrae)
  • Pied Piper (folklore)
  • Rat-king (folklore)

Edition: Advent v1

Public: Yes

Gear

Mischief

a collection of about a dozen rats that follows you and clambers about your body. Can respond to a few basic commands.

Vermin Handlers

sturdy leather gloves granting decent environmental protection to the user’s hands and allows safe handling of diseased, venomous, or poisonous creatures. Touching a contaminated surface may grant Insights into how it might be counteracted.

Gas Mask

excellent protection from environmental hazards. Allows the user to telepathically broadcast their intentions to nearby vermin.

Sewer Hook

A long, hooked metal tool; very effective at snaring, pulling, and prying. Activate to pry open a Pitched enclosed space which contains a noxious material or creature. (Mid cooldown)

Piper’s Flute

a simple wooden flute. While playing the flute, you may compel small animals and children to follow you. Followers can be compelled to perform simple, non-harmful tasks.

Skitter

a collection of about a dozen tarantulas that secrete a weak venom. Follows you but prefers to hide in dark corners whenever possible. Can be commanded to attack but cannot easily discern allies from enemies.

Abilities

Swarm

Summon a large number of vermin to you. The swarm can perform simple tasks in your vicinity (e.g. push a button, lift and carry small objects, etc).
(Low essence, High duration, Mid cooldown)
Pitch the creatures that form the Swarm but they must be vermin/pests, i.e. insects, rodents, arthropods, etc.
The creatures of the swarm will work in complete synchrony with each other to obey your commands and may even briefly magically bind together to form large hands and other simple shapes.
Cooldown begins immediately upon use

Paired Action: A long whistle or call

Skitterbond

You link your mind with a single vermin. Whenever you close your eyes you can see and hear through it and issue commands.

(Mid essence, Mid duration, Mid cooldown)
While linked, the chosen vermin can be directed and is capable of following complex commands and acting autonomously.
Paired Action: Close your eyes and whisper to the selected vermin, establishing a connection. “Come here my little friend, I have a special job for you.”

Infest

Your vermin temporarily swell dramatically in number as you direct them to attack an object or enemy, disrupting its normal function or behavior.

(Low essence, Low duration, Low cooldown)
Any collection of vermin under your control may be a target of Infest.
Infested people and animals are very likely to panic.

Paired Action: Point at the target and utter a sharp command, e.g. “Tear it up!”. Extend your Paired Action to cause the swarm to attack with matching ferocity.